Downhill fat bike has become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to go downhill fast. They’re built for speed and stability, and they can take on just about any terrain.
If you’re in the market for a downhill fat bike, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. Let’s hit some below before we show you the most popular downhill fat bikes on the market today.
- Part 1: What to Consider Before You Buy
- Part 2: The Most Popular Downhill Fat Bikes on the Market Today
- Part 3: The Downside of a Downhill Fat Bike
- Part 4: Is there a danger with Downhill Fat Bikes
- Part 5: Pro Tips When Buying a Downhill Fat Bike
- Part 6: What to Expect When Riding Your New Downhill Fat Bike
Part 1: What to Consider Before You Buy
To get started on deciding what to purchase, consider the following to narrow down your options.
Budget. Downhill fat bikes are not cheap. These bikes can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over $2000, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. Once you’ve determined how much you’re willing to spend, you can begin cutting down your choices.
Usage. Where and how do you plan on using your downhill fat bike? If you’re only going to be riding on mild trails, you won’t need a bike that’s as beefy as one that will be more aggressive. If you like to do some racing, you’ll want a bike that’s designed for speed. Consider where you’ll be riding most often and what kind of terrain you’ll encounter to help zero in on the right bike for you.
Components. Just like any other type of bike, downhill fat bikes come with a variety of different component options. From the frame material to the suspension and more, there are many choices to be made. Do some research on the different types of components available and decide which ones are the most important to you.
Part 2: The Most Popular Downhill Fat Bikes on the Market Today
Now that you know what to toss around, it’s time to know the most popular downhill fat bikes on the market today.
Mongoose Boot’r Fat bike
The Mongoose Boot’r is one of the most popular downhill fat bikes on the market. It’s a bit on the pricey side as it ranges from $2,000 to $3,000, but it’s packed with features that make it worth the investment. and it’s built for speed and can handle just about any terrain you throw at it. The frame is made from aluminum, which makes it lightweight and durable. It also has a full-suspension system, which makes for a smooth ride.
Other features include hydraulic disc brakes, 27.5-inch wheels, and a 1×10 drivetrain. The Mongoose Boot’r is available in two different colors: matte black and dark green.
Its wheels might be a bit on the small side for some riders, but that doesn’t seem to hinder its popularity. In fact, a reviewer says that “the Mongoose has done a good job of creating a bike that pedals so well with so much travel.”
Orbea Rallon Fat Bike
The Orbea Rallon is another popular option, and it’s a bit more affordable than the Mongoose Boot’r. It’s also available in two different colors: black and white.
This bike is designed for aggressive riding, and it shows. It has a beefy frame made from aluminum, and it also comes with a full-suspension system. It also has 27.5-inch wheels and hydraulic disc brakes.
The Orbea Rallon also has a 1×10 drivetrain, but it can be upgraded to a 1×11 if you want. Some riders find the Orbea Rallon to be a bit on the heavy side, but most say that it’s worth the weight for the performance it offers.
The Orbea Rallon Fat Bike costs about $2000 but the reviewers say it’s worth it, with one writing that the bike is “well balanced, corners like it’s on rails, and just flat out rips.”
Kona Process 153 Fat Bike
If you’re looking for a downhill fat bike that’s a bit more affordable, the Kona Process 153 might be a good option for you. It starts at around $1,700, which is much more reasonable than some of the other options on this list.
This bike is designed for aggressive riding, and it has a reputation for being able to handle just about any trail. The only downside is that it’s a bit on the heavy side, but most riders say that the weight is worth it for the performance you get in return.
The Kona Process 153 is available in three different colors: black, green, and white. It has a full-suspension system with 150mm of travel. It also has 27.5-inch wheels and hydraulic disc brakes but the best feature of this bike is definitely its function-worthy price.
One reviewer called the Kona Process 153 “the most bang for your buck,” and we have to agree. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a quality downhill fat bike without breaking the bank.
Ibis Mojo 3 Fat Bike
The Ibis Mojo 3 is another famous downhill fat bike. It’s a bit pricey, but it has the features that make it worth the cost. For starters, it has a carbon fiber frame, responsible for its lightweight and durability. It also has a full-suspension system with 140mm of travel.
In addition, the Ibis Mojo 3 has 27.5-inch wheels and hydraulic disc brakes. It also has a 1×11 drivetrain, great for those who want to go full speed. The only downside to this bike is that it’s not available in many colors, but that shouldn’t be a deal-breaker if you’re looking for a quality downhill fat bike.
If you have the money to spend, the Ibis Mojo 3 is definitely worth the investment. Reviewers say that it’s “light, stiff, and fast,” and that it’s “one of the best downhill bikes on the market.”
Diamondback Haanjo 5C Carbon
The Diamondback Haanjo 5C Carbon is another top-of-the-line downhill fat bike. It uses carbon fiber, making it one of the lightest bikes on the market. Just like the above bikes, it has a full-suspension system and hydraulic disc brakes.
Other features include a 1×11 drivetrain and 27.5-inch wheels. It’s a bit on the expensive side, but reviewers say that it’s worth every penny. One even went so far as to call it “the best downhill bike money can buy.” Another Diamondback Haanjo user says that the bike “flies down the mountain” and that it’s “extremely stable at high speeds.
The Diamondback Haanjo 5C Carbon is available in two colors: black and green. If you’re looking for the best of the best, the Diamondback Haanjo 5C Carbon is a downhill fat bike worth considering.
The YT Capra AL Base Model
The YT Capra is another one of the most well-known fat downhill bikes on the market, and for good reason. It features a full-suspension system with 170mm of travel which makes it great for those who want to go supersonic and take on big jumps.
It also has 27.5-inch wheels and hydraulic disc brakes. The YT Capra is available in four different colors: black, blue, green, and red. It has a 1×11 drivetrain and uses aluminum, making it a bit on the heavy side. However, many reviewers say that the bike’s performance makes up for the weight.
One particular reviewer says that the YT Capra is “the most fun you can have on two wheels,” and we have to agree.
There you have it! These are six of the crowd’s favorite downhill fat bikes on the market today. Do your research and decide which one is best for you and your riding style.
Part 3: The Downside of a Downhill Fat Bike
Now that we’ve gone over some of the best downhill fat bikes on the market, it’s time to talk about the downside of these bikes. While they are great for going fast and taking on big jumps, they also have some drawbacks that you should be aware of before making your purchase.
First and foremost, downhill fat bikes are expensive. If you’re looking for a quality bike, you can expect to pay upwards of $3,000. That’s a lot of money, and not everyone has that kind of budget.
Second, downhill fat bike brands may advertise lightweight items but they are still very heavy compared to other mountain bikes on the market. The average weight is around 35 pounds, which can make them difficult to maneuver on tight turns. This is due to the fact that they need to be durable enough to withstand big jumps and drops.
Finally, downhill fat bikes can be difficult to control at high speeds. If you don’t have enough practice, it’s easy to lose control and crash. This is why it’s important to be careful and ride within your limits.
Part 4: Is there a danger with Downhill Fat Bikes
Yes, there is a danger with downhill fat bikes. These bikes are for speed and you might not control them easily if you don’t practice enough. That is to say, as long as you ride within your limits and take care when riding on treacherous terrain, you are good.
As we mentioned before, one of the downsides of downhill fat bikes is that they are expensive. If you do crash, you could end up damaging your bike beyond repair. This is why it’s important to have insurance if you plan on riding a downhill fat bike.
Another thing to take into account is that these bikes are not for for beginners. If you’re new to mountain biking, we recommend starting with a different type of bike. This kind of sport requires a lot of experience and skill to ride safely.
So, is there a danger with downhill fat bikes? Yes, there is definitely a danger. But as long as you’re aware of the risks and take precautions, you should be able to enjoy riding your bike without any problems.
Part 5: Pro Tips When Buying a Downhill Fat Bike
We’ve gone over the basics of downhill fat biking, now you’re ready for some pro tips on what to do when purchasing one of these bikes.
Always test ride the bike before you buy it. This will help you get a feel for the bike and see if it’s a good fit for you.
Don’t forget to ask about the warranty. Downhill fat bikes are expensive, and you want to be sure that you have warranty in case anything happens to your bike.
Do your research. Read reviews, talk to friends who own downhill fat bikes, and get as much information as you can before making your purchase.
Get the right size. Downhill fat bikes come in different sizes, be sure to get one that has the right fit and right feel for you.
Check out the bike’s components. Chances are, you’ll be upgrading some of the parts on your downhill fat bike. Be sure to check that the components are of good quality and can be easily enhanced.
Remember that buying a downhill fat bike is a big investment, one of which is worth it in the end. Fat biking is an incredible sport and with the help of a great bike, you’ll be able to enjoy it to the fullest.
Part 6: What to Expect When Riding Your New Downhill Fat Bike
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect downhill fat bike and you’re ready to hit the trails, what can you expect?
Be prepared for a workout. These bikes are heavy and they require a lot of effort to ride. However, the payoff is absolutely the cherry on top.
You’ll always need to be cautious. As we mentioned before, these bikes can be difficult to control at high speeds. Make sure you’re comfortable with the bike before taking it on any challenging terrain.
Last but not the least, have fun! Fat biking is an amazing sport and you’re sure to have a great time riding your new downhill fat bike.
Downhill fat bikes are for extreme mountain biking and can be a lot of fun to ride. However, it’s important to remember that these bikes come with some risks. Be sure to test ride the bike before you buy it, and always ride within your limits. Make sure you’re aware of the dangers before taking your bike on treacherous terrain. I hope you enjoy this guide to buying your new bike and keep reading for more!
